Unsmoked (?) Estate Pipe Cleaning Question

[jwesthurl]

Hi all,
I found this pipe at a local antique mall for $3.00 today. The only marking on it just says "ITALY", making me think this is a basket pipe. To me it appears unsmoked with a bowl coating but I'm just a beginner so I'm not positive. What steps should I take before I start smoking it?

 

[Simmerdown☕️]

You did very well for 3$. I’d grab a handful of pipe cleaners & some high test alcohol. Make sure there is no residue on the last pipe cleaner you use. Grab a paper towel swab out the bowl and you’re good. Or, you can just rinse it out with this magic ? that everyone is speaking about. ?️

 

[Fralphog]

Based off of the picture, the pipe looks like a great Deal for $3!
It actually has some very nice grain and a little or no imperfections that I can tell. The stem is in great shape with little or no oxidation.
I would sanitize the stem with some Everclear just to be safe. Otherwise, I would pack it full of your favorite tobacco and get after breaking it in.

 

[OzPiper]

Excellent advice above.

Just clean out the airway with alcohol-soaked pipe cleaners and wipe the bowl out with a couple of scrunched-up damp paper towels.

Some don't like bowl coatings. Most coatings give a neutral smoke, but some can be skanky. If you want to get rid of the coating, go carefully with some sandpaper.

Dry, fill-up and you're ready to go.

Enjoy your find.

 

[anotherbob]

I'd just wipe it off and not worry. You've probably stuck plenty of grosser things in your mouth. Like your fingers for instance (well anyones fingers really, just not assuming they've been in your mouth.)

 

[jwesthurl]

Thanks everyone! I’m gonna give it a quick swab with some alcohol and call it good.

 

[scloyd]

Nice find for $3. Enjoy.